Åsgard subsea gas compression will be realised in 2015 as the world’s first project of this kind, and the technology is one of our most important measures to deliver volumes from existing fields on the Norwegian shelf.

With Åsgard subsea gas compression, we are one step closer to realising our vision of a total subsea factory. Processing on the seabed, and gas compression in particular, is an important technology advance to develop fields in deep waters in vulnerable areas.

When the pressure in the reservoirs declines, the flows become unstable and the drive mechanism becomes too weak to transport the gas. Previously, we have been able to install compressors on the installations above water. We are now conquering the depths with compressor technology.

With this innovative technology in place, the recovery rate and lifetime of several gas fields can be considerably increased.

Energy efficient
A large structure - 70 m long, 40 m wide and a height of 20 m- with compressors, pumps, scrubbers and coolers, will be placed on the seabed on the Åsgard field to maintain high pressure.

The closer the compression is to the well, the higher the efficiency and production rates become.

By carrying out compression on the seabed, we achieve benefits in the form of improved energy efficiency and lower costs compared with carrying out compression on platforms or on land.

Challenging technology development
In order to succeed with technology development, it is important to test and qualify new technology in parallel with the course of the project. We know that this will be challenging, but we have pushed the boundaries of technology before, and we are certain that we can do it again on Åsgard, along with our partners.

Many years of development work lie behind the choice of gas compression on the seabed for Åsgard. We started testing the technology at the K-lab on Kårstø as early as 2008. K-lab is now being readied to test a full-scale model under water, where we will also simulate the power supply system from Åsgard A to the compressors on the seabed.

We are simultaneously working on projects for subsea gas compression both on Gullfaks, where the concept decision was made this spring, and together with the operator Shell on Ormen Lange. There is considerable synergy between the technology qualification for Åsgard and what we are carrying out for Shell on the Ormen Lange field. The projects on Gullfaks are scheduled for completion by 2015 at the earliest and Ormen Lange pilot later. These projects will create considerable values from the Norwegian shelf.